What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you reside in an area that is smoke-controlled or smoke-controlled, you'll need to use a wood-burning stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves let you use approved fuels without breaking the law or causing a disturbance to your neighbors.
The latest Defra-approved stoves use the most advanced clean burning technology with secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions. They are typically equipped to work with a wide range of approved smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term "Defra-approved" stove may sound complicated but it's really wood-burning stove that has been exempted from UK smoke control zones. To be eligible for Defra approval, a stove has to undergo rigorous tests. If it passes, it is awarded the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.
Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn fuels that are approved and, of course wood - and they must do this efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves can make use of the latest combustion technology that stops any combustibles that have been part-burned from getting through the chimney, and thus into the air. This is great for the environment and also reduces the likelihood of a chimney blockage.
Alongside offering a range of the best DEFRA approved wood burners, we also carry a range of traditional and contemporary multi-fuel stoves. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has an enormous, panoramic glass panel that provides full enjoyment and view of a roaring fireplace.
It has an A energy rating as well as the ability to burn logs overnight and a steel body for excellent heat retention, as well as being Defra approved and priced at the price of $1,499. Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel Stove is another option worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA features the power output of 3 and 9 kW, and an efficiency of heating of A plus. It's a great choice for people who live in smoke-free areas.
The ESSE Vista is a fantastic choice for those who prefer something a bit more traditional. It's an Defra approved stove that has plenty of style and quality. It boasts an A+ rating and can be utilized in the DEFRA Smoke Control Area thanks to its exclusive twin catalytics technology. This is a top-quality stove that also meets the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulation.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are an important part of the UK government's clean air strategy. These regulations were put in place to limit harmful emissions from wood burning stoves across the UK. It is now illegal to make a new wood burning stove that does not meet the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain can continue to be sold, however in 2022 all new installations must be Eco Design compliant.
As we are a member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we stock a range of Eco Design approved wood burning stoves that have been independently tested and have been proven to offer lower particulate levels when compared to open fires. In addition to this, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been shown to generate an 80% lower amount of CO2 emissions when compared with an open fire.
The testing process includes measuring particulate (PM), organic gases (OGC) and nitrogen oxides. You can be certain that an approved SIA Eco Design stove has been created to limit the production of these harmful chemical.
Eco Design Ready stoves must be able to lower the emission levels in all tests. They also must have higher efficiency in fuel use and produce less harmful by-products. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners feature advanced combustion technology such as secondary air supplies and catalytic converters that help to limit the emission of harmful gases when operating.
Eco Design stoves are not only more eco-friendly but also more cost-effective to operate. This is because Eco Design stoves consume less fuel to generate the exact same amount of heat. You'll save money on your energy bills. A wood-burning stove will also help you heat your home more efficiently. By using wood to power your stove you will be able to avoid the rising cost of electricity and natural gas.
Exempt
The stoves exempted by Defra were tested and inspected to ensure that they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can burn wood or other approved fuels inside these stoves (including various types of smokeless fuel).
These stoves are designed to produce the minimum amount combustion air needed for a clear and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also extremely efficient in terms of energy consumption and are an excellent way to heat your home with less.
In DEFRA regulations stoves to being an excellent option for those who reside in Smoke Control Areas These stoves are a fantastic alternative to fossil fuel heating in general. These stoves are often cheaper than gas or electric fires and, if you are using local logs, they're also carbon-neutral.
It is important to remember that if you are in an area that has a Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned wood is allowed to be used to fuel your DEFRA exempt stove. The burning of damp or wet logs can lead to excessive smoke which is illegal and can result in a fine.
If you are unsure whether you are in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your local authority to learn more. These areas are often big cities and towns where smoke pollution is a major problem for residents.
The DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we carry are all Eco Design Ready and have been independently tested to ensure that they meet strict EU-wide standards. These include minimum efficiencies as well as NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will increase the requirements. Check with your stove provider if you're thinking of buying one to ensure that it meets the requirements.
Stove manufacturers are constantly enhancing their products by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion systems being used to lower the emissions of their stoves even more. With the introduction of these innovative technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and cost effective for homeowners looking for an effective alternative to their old open fire or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved stove, also known as a Defra exempt stove is a wood burning multi fuel stove that has complied with the strict UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove can only emit an amount of smoke at all times during normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on a stove or its packaging to identify it. In addition, most reputable stove retailers display the fact that a particular stove is DEFRA approved on their websites as well as in their store showrooms.
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it is essential that you make use of a DEFRA approved wood burner or log burner. These areas are designated by local authorities and are usually urban locations with high population density. The goal of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure healthy air quality standards by restricting the amount of particle matter that is released into the air by combustion in residential homes. You could be fined for using a non DEFRA stove within a Smoke Control Area.
DEFRA approved stoves are not only compliant with regulations of the government, but they also offer additional advantages. The stoves are also extremely efficient, resulting in a lower energy consumption and less carbon footprint. These stoves also have advanced features which make them safer than open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and tertiary combustion technologies to reduce their stoves' emissions. This not only benefits the environment but also saves you money by cutting your heating bills. If you're buying an appliance for smoke control, make sure to only make use of dry and properly seasoned wood.
In addition to potential legal repercussions and insurance coverage, a failure to adhere to wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines can put your home at risk. The majority of insurers require homeowners to comply with regulatory standards in order to receive insurance assistance related to fire. If you are found to be in violation of these standards during an inspection or investigation, your insurer could refuse to cover any damages caused by the non-compliant appliance.